hagel is expected to offer his views on the deep budget cuts facing the pentagon, if lawmakers are unable to avoid sequestration. on iran, the former senator has told congress in written remarks that meddle be prepared to strike that country if necessary, but stressed the need to be cautious and certain when considering the use of force. vice president joe biden yesterday defended hagel and john kerry from critics who say they're concerned the president's new national security team would be hesitant to act. >> to suggest that two war heroes won the bronze star, purple heart, silver star, taking over both the state department and defense is a -- or whatever the phrase was -- is ridiculous. >> all right. so, fortunately, on john kerry's senate career in that moment, moving on, i just watched you watching barnicle, and i was wondering what you were thinking, given him. >> you know, i tell you what i was thinking. i was thinking that it's very rare for senator kerry to show public emotion. i've seen him do it on one other occasion, at a funeral service, where he eulogized a young guy who serv